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Immediate Release

Accelerating Enterprise Cloud Adoption

Feb. 15, 2018

In September 2017, the Department of Defense (DoD) established the Cloud Executive Steering Group (CESG) to develop and execute a strategy to accelerate the adoption of cloud architectures and cloud services with a focus on commercial solutions.

DoD is using a tailored acquisition process to acquire a modern enterprise cloud services solution that can support Unclassified, Secret, and Top Secret requirements. Known as the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) Cloud, the planned contracting action will be a full and open competition.

The CESG’s cloud adoption initiative will occur in two phases. Phase One will cover the JEDI Cloud acquisition. The Chief Management Officer (CMO), in partnership with the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (DCAPE), Chief Information Officer (CIO), and the Director of Defense Digital Service (DDS), is aggressively leading implementation of the JEDI Cloud acquisition. Phase Two will focus on migration of the initial tranche of systems and applications. In Phase 2, CMO and CIO will work with offices throughout the Department to build cloud strategies for requirements related to military operations and intelligence support.

Under the CESG’s guidance, the cloud adoption initiative will continue to evolve and mature. The goal is a solution that will better enable DoD’s global mission, meet joint requirements for America’s warfighters, and enhance the lethality, readiness, and effectiveness of our fighting force.

Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis has made it clear that DoD must take all reasonable steps to prevent an adversary from overtaking our military advantage. “We must move at the speed of relevancy, adapt to today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s threats. If we do not invest in our capabilities, America will lose the tactical advantages we have enjoyed since WWII. We must organize and innovate to win.”Adopting an enterprise cloud solution is one of those steps to better enable the mission of national defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. With what companies and other non-governmental entities has the CESG met?

The CESG has met with numerous companies and non-government entities. It will continue to interact with industry throughout the acquisition process as appropriate. The CESG is hosting an industry day on March 7, 2018; an update on the acquisition strategy will be shared at that time.

Q2. What has CESG determined regarding the existing cloud efforts at DoD?

The CESG is aggressively analyzing information in an effort to provide the best possible recommendations and solutions. At this time it is too early to speak to any possible conclusions.

Q3. Under the CESG's acquisition strategy, how many contracts will be awarded for cloud services?

The CESG is still assessing relevant data in an effort to determine final acquisition strategies.

Q4. What DoD Components or field agencies will use the cloud services solution awarded under the CESG's acquisition strategy?

Consistent with Deputy Secretary Patrick J. Shanahan’s direction in the Accelerating Enterprise Cloud Adoption memo, the CESG’s mission is to devise and oversee the execution of a strategy to accelerate the adoption of cloud architectures and cloud services for DoD. The intent is for the JEDI Cloud acquisition vehicle to be accessible to all users throughout every organization the Department.

Q5. Will the Phase One award replace any existing cloud solutions in DoD?

The CESG’s enterprise cloud initiative and planned contracting action is intended to be additive to other ongoing cloud efforts throughout the Department. The CESG continues to interact with offices throughout the Department to understand lessons learned and best practices for accelerating cloud adoption.

Q6. The solicitation says that "a contract award is planned for fiscal year 2018." Will that be a sole-source award? If so, why? And what is the Pentagon's response to industry, which is urging for multiple awards?

No solicitation has been released to date. In October 2017, the CESG released a Request for Information (RFI). The CESG’s plans to hold an industry day in early calendar year 2018 and pursue and full and open competition remain unchanged. Additional information will be presented at the industry day on March 7, 2018.

Q7. What is the value and timeframe of the contract?

Currently, the CESG is targeting an initial contract award in FY18. The anticipated value is still being determined as part of the analysis and review process. At this time, it is too early to reach any conclusions about the possible value of the award.

The referenced JEDI document does not mention sole source award; it mentions a single award. This is one of many draft documents used to spark discussion and debate in an effort to determine the acquisition strategy that will best meet the Department’s requirements. Most importantly the CESG is still in the analysis and fact finding phase of this process to determine how many contracts will best meet DoD's needs. The contracting action will be a full and open competition. Additional information will be presented at the industry day on March 7, 2018.